Print

Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe

quick creamy cajun pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A fast and flavorful creamy Cajun pasta dish ready in 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. It combines smoky paprika, garlic, and spicy Cajun seasoning with a rich creamy sauce and tender pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) penne or favorite short pasta
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces (can swap for shrimp or tofu)
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red and green)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter, coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced thin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225g) penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain, reserving ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breast and sprinkle 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning evenly. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add diced bell peppers and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until peppers soften slightly and garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, stirring constantly as the sauce thickens—about 3-4 minutes. If sauce gets too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
  5. Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return cooked chicken to the pan, mixing well to coat in sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
  6. Toss drained pasta into the skillet, stirring gently to coat every piece with the creamy Cajun sauce. Heat together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors. Add more pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle sliced green onions over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it should be al dente to hold up in the creamy sauce. Avoid crowding the pan when cooking chicken to get a good sear. Stir sauce constantly to prevent curdling. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Protein swaps like shrimp or tofu work well. Leftovers keep up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently with added cream or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, spicy pasta, weeknight dinner, creamy Cajun sauce

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/quick-creamy-cajun-pasta-recipe-15-minute-easy-dinner-idea/